Weekend Project: Merriam's Kangaroo Rat

Been trying to complete the last few shadow box dioramas for the Springs Preserve this weekend. I am having the best time with my new little buddy. While looking through native wildlife of Nevada and Las Vegas, I came across the kangaroo rat. So beyond adorable! Although this is my first I don't think he'll be my last. These are so work in progress shots as he and his home are being created.

The kangaroo rat is made from a color pencil drawing and the environment is a combination of color pencil and gouache painting. I use a combination of bristol and water color paper to create my boxes. The paper not only handle the materials well, but is excellent for standing up to the abuse of the folding and bending. This is to create a more three dimensional life like look. 

Thanks for letting me share!